Rohit Sharma might have played his last Test match for India, at least going by the sources. The Indian skipper is said to be sitting out the Sydney Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Sydney. Vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is expected to step up as captain for the series finale. Unless the BCCI intervenes and requests him to play one last time, the decision seems final.
Shubman Gill will be back in the playing XI at No. 3, and KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal will likely open. Rohit, who has played 67 Tests, only briefly made an appearance at India’s training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). He was talking to head coach Gautam Gambhir and Bumrah but only spent a few minutes in the nets, batting for just 10 minutes. Rohit was absent during slip-catching drills, a clear indication that he may not make it to the final XI.
End of Rohit Sharma in Test cricket? Comments Gambhir
Coach Gambhir, in place of Rohit, briefed the media on Thursday and wouldn’t confirm whether the skipper will be there in the team. “We will assess the wicket and declare the XI tomorrow,” said Gambhir, while being asked about Rohit’s participation.
India’s task is more daunting as it has lost pacer Akash Deep to a back injury. Either Prasidh Krishna or Harshit Rana will be the replacement for him. As Harshit was in the XI for the first two Tests, he might regain his place; Prasidh, the last one seen in the Test format during the India tour of South Africa, is also on the cards.
Despite the drama, India will look to win the series decider. A draw or win will see India retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as the current holders. With Bumrah at the helm, the team hopes to rise above the turbulent lead-up and deliver a memorable performance in Sydney.
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